Cyclones, Cowboys kick off big weeks tonight

With a road game at Iowa State on Wednesday night and then a home game against No. 9 Kansas State on Saturday, coach Travis Ford says this is probably the most difficult week of the season for the Cowboys (22-6, 12-4 Big 12).

The Cyclones (19-10, 9-7) have lost only one of their 16 games at Hilton Coliseum this season, and that one featured a controversial finish that resulted in the Big 12 later issuing a statement that officials made mistakes. Kansas State (24-5, 13-3) is just ahead of Oklahoma State in the standings.

Ford says the week will be a good preparation for the NCAA tournament, since both opponents are likely to make the field.